LYON – Health authorities are on high alert following a significant increase in hepatitis A cases in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. As the begining of 2025, 73 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in the Rhône, a sharp rise compared to the 16 cases recorded during the same period in both 2023 and 2024. This 356 % increase has prompted serious concern, with the rate of propagation accelerating since July, resulting in 57 new cases identified in just a few weeks.

the majority of those affected are adults under 65, with no confirmed pediatric cases to date. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Lyon, notably in the 7th arrondissement, where the Directorate General of Health considers the virus to be actively circulating. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this unusual resurgence. The increase “suggests that the circulation of the virus is currently very active and coudl increase in the coming weeks“, according to health officials.

Recognizing Hepatitis A Symptoms

The hepatitis A virus is mainly transmitted thru the fecal-oral route. As the DGS-Urgent, signed by Professor Didier Lepelletier and Cécile Courrèges, notes, “The virus being present in the faeces of affected people, the disease is transmitted through contaminated hands or foods“.

While frequently enough asymptomatic,especially in children,hepatitis A infection can manifest through several symptoms:

• Fever,abdominal pain,nausea,loss of appetite
• Intense fatigue (asthenia)
• Jaundice (jaundice) linked to liver damage

In most instances,hepatitis A resolves spontaneously without lasting effects. However, more severe cases, though rare, primarily affect older adults or individuals with pre-existing chronic liver conditions.

“The virus being present in the faeces of affected people, the disease is transmitted through contaminated hands or foods”

Preventing Hepatitis A Infection

in response to the rising number of cases, the DGS and the ARS are urging increased vigilance. Hepatitis A is a compulsory declaration with ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and samples must be sent to the national reference center for analysis to better trace contamination channels.

Identified high-risk groups include individuals in precarious living situations with limited access to clean water, men who have sexual contact with men, those engaging in oro-anal practices, injectable drug users, and travelers to endemic regions.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against hepatitis A and is recommended for:

• Individuals living in the same household as an infected person (ideally within 14 days of symptom onset)
• At-risk populations and exposed professionals
• Anyone traveling to regions where the virus is prevalent